Newsletter Archives - Page 20 of 260 - LexisNexis Middle East

Sharjah: Cuts Property Rental Process to Minutes with Digital System

24/10/202524/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 16 October 2025: Sharjah has implemented a new unified digital system that has transformed its property rental procedures from a multi-visit process to one that can be completed within minutes.

The integrated platform connects multiple government departments, including utilities, municipalities, and real estate authorities.

The digital integration has enabled residents to complete entire property-related processes through a single channel, eliminating the need for multiple office visits.

Twelve government service centres have fully transitioned to the digital platform, which includes an AI-powered chatbot providing instant support to users. The system also features a rainfall monitoring system using GIS technology for urban planning purposes.

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Saudi Arabia: Government Seeks Public Input on Procurement Law Changes

24/10/202524/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Argaam, 20 October 2025: The Finance Ministry has launched a public consultation on proposed amendments to government procurement regulations, running until October 22, 2025, focusing on contract termination procedures and guarantee confiscation rules.

The proposed changes target two specific articles within the government tenders and procurement executive regulation. It introduces new timelines for contract termination decisions and establishes formal procedures for handling final guarantee confiscations. It also outlines specific circumstances under which contracts may be terminated in the public interest.

Under the revised regulations, government entities must provide detailed documentation and seek approval from both the Finance Ministry and the Government Expenditure and Project Efficiency Authority before terminating any contracts. The amendments establish a clearer framework for protecting both government and contractor interests during the termination process.

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Qatar: Approves New Law on International Treaties and Agreements

24/10/202524/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Qatar Tribune, 16 October 2025: The Qatari Cabinet has approved new legislation governing the procedures for international treaties and agreements, alongside several bilateral cooperation deals with foreign nations.

The draft law establishes a comprehensive framework for managing international agreements. It outlines specific procedures for concluding treaties and defines the roles of various government authorities in the process.

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Oman: Opens Public Consultation on New Digital Systems Regulations

24/10/202524/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Arabian Stories, 15 October 2025: Oman’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has launched a public consultation process seeking feedback on proposed regulations for digital systems and platforms in the telecommunications sector.

The consultation document outlines new controls for the development, testing, and operation of digital systems across the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure. The proposal covers five key technical areas, including development environment controls, external support systems, database management, systems integration, and performance measurement.

Stakeholders and members of the public have been given a four-week window to submit their responses, with the consultation period closing on October 28 2025. The authority has created an online survey system to collect feedback through its official website.

The proposed regulations establish specific requirements for technical infrastructure and security protocols within the telecommunications sector. These include detailed guidelines for system development, testing procedures, and operational standards.

The consultation document addresses various aspects of digital systems management, with particular focus on infrastructure security and technical operations. The authority has published comprehensive details of the proposed controls on its website for public review.

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Kuwait: Approves New Laws on International Crimes and Missing Persons

24/10/202524/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Arab Times, 15 October 2025: Kuwait’s Cabinet has approved two new draft laws addressing international crimes and the protection of missing persons.

The first decree-law establishes legal frameworks for prosecuting four major international crimes: genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and acts of aggression.

The second law focuses on protecting missing persons and their families’ rights, including provisions for determining their fate and providing compensation.

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Dubai: Launches Major AI Initiatives to Boost Digital Infrastructure

24/10/202524/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 19 October 2025: Dubai’s leadership has unveiled a comprehensive package of artificial intelligence projects, including a new infrastructure platform and acceleration taskforce, as part of the emirate’s latest digital advancement efforts.

At the heart of the new programme is an AI Infrastructure Empowerment Platform, which provides government departments with a secure, integrated digital environment for AI development and deployment. The platform combines advanced infrastructure with ready-to-use smart services, designed to streamline the implementation of AI-driven solutions across public sector operations.

Alongside this, officials have established a new AI Acceleration Taskforce following discussions with Chief AI Officers from 27 government entities. The task force emerged from consultations led by the local Centre for Artificial Intelligence and aims to enhance coordination between various government departments in their AI adoption strategies.

The third major component is the Unicorn 30 Programme, which has been created with input from 80 local and international firms. This initiative sets out to support 30 promising startups in their journey to achieve billion-pound valuations whilst maintaining their headquarters in the emirate. The programme encompasses ten distinct initiatives focusing on areas such as financing, growth strategies, and governance frameworks.

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Bahrain: Introduces New Regulatory Framework for Stablecoins

24/10/202524/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Daily Tribune, 21 October 2025: The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) has implemented new regulations for cash-backed stablecoins through its Stablecoin Issuance and Offering Module, establishing strict requirements for stablecoin operators, including mandatory 1:1 cash reserves and full liquidity provisions.

Under the new rules, stablecoins must be backed by recognised central bank currencies, such as the US dollar or Bahraini dinar, and will be subject to CBB supervision. The regulations also set comprehensive standards for governance, compliance, and financial disclosure, with direct redemption requirements for token holders.

The regulatory development comes as Bahrain engages in discussions with more than 50 financial and investment firms, many specialising in cryptocurrency operations. Earlier this year, the central bank granted its first Category 3 licence for digital asset trading, enabling services including brokerage, custody, storage, and crypto infrastructure.

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Ajman: Launches New Digital Payment Services and Interest-Free Instalment Options

24/10/202524/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Kuwait Citizen, 16 October 2025: The Department of Finance in Ajman has unveiled two major payment innovations introducing local smart payment services through the ‘Jaywan’ card system and a new interest-free payment instalment scheme.

The department has integrated the UAE Central Bank’s ‘Jaywan’ national payment card with the ‘AjmanPay’ platform, offering residents an alternative to international payment networks. This card system provides comprehensive payment capabilities across ATMs, e-commerce platforms, and point-of-sale terminals.

Alongside this, the department has implemented a ‘Get it done now and pay later’ service, enabling customers to split government fee payments into monthly instalments without interest charges. The service also includes an option to defer payments for a specified period.

The department also showcased its new ‘Estidama system’ Smart Financial System at the exhibition. This cloud-based platform integrates four modules managing budgeting, initiatives, financial execution, and reporting for government operations.

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Abu Dhabi: New Regulatory Framework Unveiled for Professional Service Providers

24/10/202524/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Abu Dhabi’s financial district has implemented new comprehensive regulations governing legal, tax and company service providers, introducing stricter controls and professional standards effective immediately.

The Registration Authority has issued two key regulatory documents: the Commercial Licensing Regulations (Conditions of Licence and Branch Registration) Rules 2025 and the Commercial Licensing Regulations (Controlled Activities) Rules 2025, which replace the existing framework.

Under the new regulations, legal service providers must now appoint a managing partner with a minimum of eight years post-qualification experience. They are required to maintain a registered office in the financial district, obtain professional indemnity insurance, and submit annual returns to the Registration Authority.

The framework introduces tax services as a new controlled activity, requiring firms to ensure that at least 50 per cent of their senior management consists of qualified professionals. These providers must also secure professional indemnity insurance and adhere to specific operational principles.

Additional measures require company service providers to implement formal policies and procedures for managing conflicts of interest, marking a significant enhancement to governance standards.

The regulations take immediate effect for new applicants, while existing licence holders will benefit from transitional periods to ensure compliance with the updated requirements. This regulatory update represents the most substantial enhancement to professional service provider oversight in the financial district to date.

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Lexis Middle East HR Alert – October 2025 Edition

22/10/202522/10/2025
by Tanya Jain

Welcome to the October 2025 edition of the Lexis Middle East HR Alert, your essential update on the latest employment law and HR developments across the GCC and wider MENA region.

This month, we examine the far-reaching implications of Oman’s new personal income tax and what it means for employers. We also explore emerging regional trends such as pay transparency, new immigration and visa frameworks, and recent legal reforms affecting workplace compliance.

Stay informed, compliant, and connected with the developments shaping the future of HR in the region.

Happy reading!

This edition features a diverse range of content, including:

FEATURE: INCOME TAX: EMPLOYER ANGLE

Asrujit Mandal of BDO examines how Oman’s introduction of the GCC’s first personal income tax will affect employers, from payroll adjustments to compliance obligations.

TREND SETTER: PAY TRANSPARENCY

Ibrahim Mohamed of HAS Law Firm explores how international pay transparency trends, driven by recent US and EU legislation, could influence HR policies and legal frameworks across the GCC.

NEWS ROUND-UP: COVERING RECENT KEY DEVELOPMENTS – REGION-WIDE

A summary of the latest HR and employment law updates, including Oman’s new mandatory professional licensing requirements and other regional regulatory changes.

IMMIGRATION FOCUS: WORK PRMIT CLASSIFICATION

Ali Ibrahim of Vialto Partners breaks down Ministerial Decision No. 4602/1447, which introduces a new skill-based structure for Saudi work permits and its implications for employers.

LAW CHANGES: NEW AND PROPOSED MENA LAWS

A round-up of key legislative updates, including Bahrain’s new first aid law explained by Sama Ghareeb of Zu’bi & Partners, following Ministerial Decision No. 16/2025.

CASE FOCUS

Reem Elkordi of HAS Law Firm highlights a recent Dubai case addressing payment rights for suspended employees and its significance for HR and legal compliance.

MOVES AND CHANGES

A regional overview of the latest executive movements, leadership appointments, and HR leadership changes across key industries.

Enrich your understanding of the HR landscape and stay up-to-date with the latest trends, cases, and policies through the newest issue of Lexis Middle East – HR Alert.

For all the latest industry updates and developments, opt for a free HR Alert subscription!

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit, https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

Lexis Middle East HR Alert_October 2025

Have you read the Lexis® Middle East HR Alert – previous editions? Click the links below to access and read these editions.

Lexis Middle East HR Alert_May 2025

Lexis Middle East HR Alert_July 2025

Lexis Middle East HR Alert_January 2025

HR PROFILE: THE SCALE OF THE CHALLENGE

Ida Mozayani, Vice President of Talent & Operations, Bain Middle East discusses her approach to scaling Bain’s regional operations while maintaining a strong, consistent organisational culture.

IN-HOUSE PROFILE: PRACTITIONER PERSPECTIVE

Mary Rintu Raju, NYK Law Firm looks at the UAE legal position where an employee works overseas on secondment or on a cross-border project.

POLICY POINTERS: COMMISSION

Sarah Khasawneh from Pinsent Masons along with Emma Noble & Jennifer Green shares guidance on managing commission structures effectively and ensuring compliance with regional employment laws.